Have your eyes ever felt dry, itchy or like there is something stuck in them? You might be dealing with Dry Eye Syndrome. This is a common eye problem that affects people of all ages. Learn more in the following blog post about how to prevent and treat it.

Dry Eye Syndrome happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or the tears they make don’t work well. Tears are important because they keep your eyes wet, clean and comfortable. 

What causes dry eyes?

There are many reasons why you might get dry eyes:

• Not enough tears – this can happen as you get older or if you take certain medicines.
• Poor-quality tears – tears have layers of water, oil and mucus. If one layer is missing or not working, your eyes can feel dry.
• Weather and environment – wind, smoke or dry air can make your eyes dry.
• Screen time – staring at phones, computers or TVs for too long can reduce blinking, which dries out your eyes.
• Health conditions – some diseases like diabetes or thyroid problems can cause dry eyes.

What are the symptoms?

Dry eyes can feel uncomfortable. You might notice:

• Burning or stinging
• Redness
• Blurry vision
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Watery eyes when your eyes try to fix the dryness
• Trouble wearing contact lenses

How can you treat dry eyes?

The good news is that there are many simple treatments for dry eyes, including:

• Eye drops – these are artificial tears and help keep your eyes moist all day.
• Taking breaks from screens – try to look away every 20 minutes to rest your eyes.
• Using a humidifier – this adds moisture to the air in your home.
• Wearing sunglasses – they protect your eyes from wind and sun.
• Eating healthy – Foods with omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, can help your eyes.
• Seeing a doctor – if your eyes still feel dry, your doctor might suggest special treatments.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology even recommends wraparound sunglasses to help treat dry eyes. In the same way, the Mayo Clinic recommends using eye drops several times a day if needed.

Taking care of your eyes is just as important as taking care of the rest of your body. Make eye-friendly habits part of your daily routine – like blinking more often when using screens, staying hydrated and wearing sunglasses outside. These small steps can make a big difference in keep your eye comfortable and healthy for years to come.

Visit Clinicas

If our eyes feel dry, itchy or painful for more than a few days, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. The Mayo Clinic notes that untreated dry eyes can lead to more serious problems, so it’s important to get help if symptoms don’t go away. It is especially important to speak with a doctor during allergy season, when your eyes may be dry every day. Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc’s Vision Care Services can help support you. Book an appointment today.